Colin-on-Cars: Silver status for FAW Trucks

The Silver status awarded to FAW Trucks following the recent announcement of the results of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI) shows clearly growing confidence by the dealer body in the products and service emanating from the company.

“This is a milestone achievement for our company and we are extremely proud of the results and of our entire dealer network,” says Yongjun Li, CEO of FAW Trucks South Africa. “From being given a Bronze award last year to Silver this year also means we are hearing what our dealers are saying about the working relationship we have – and we are taking steps to resolve any issues.”

L-R - Allan Wang – Director of Sales and Marketing FAW Trucks SA, Pieter Janse Van Rensburg – General Manager - Dealer Network FAW Trucks SA, Mr Li Yongjun – CEO of FAW Trucks SA

The Commercial Vehicle survey was first added to the NADA DSI in 2008. Since then, the highest overall average score of 78% was recorded in 2018. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 survey was suspended and resumed in 2021. The 2022 overall Commercial score has improved from 75,4 in 2021 to 77,2 in 2022, the second highest score achieved since the inception of this study.

Monitor

“The NADA DSI survey, now in its 26th year, is carried out annually to monitor the health of the relationship between dealers and their respective manufacturers. It provides the dealer body with a platform to provide manufacturers and importers with robust feedback.

“Over the years, the outcomes of the survey have been used by dealer councils and manufacturers as an effective management tool to address areas of concern and improve service delivery throughout the entire value chain to the ultimate benefit of consumers,” says Mark Dommisse, Chairperson of NADA.

Cater

“The reason for our continued growth and success in South Africa is that we cater for virtually every need,” explains Li. “With a host of different engine capacities, payload allowances and body options on offer, businesses big and small can rely on our products to get the job done.”

All FAW Trucks products are covered by a comprehensive warranty at industry standards, ensuring customers have complete peace of mind in their purchases. The FAW warranty provides customers with the assurance that FAW Vehicle Manufacturers South Africa stands behind its claim of quality manufacturing.

Service

FAW Trucks has a large parts warehouse at its premises in Spartan, from where it supplies the three  main regions in Gauteng, Durban and Cape Town. In addition, service dealers are fully equipped, with highly trained technicians on hand for complete servicing and repairs required for all models from the renowned Chinese manufacturer.

“FAW is a major player in the trucking business. Since the 1990s, we have partnered with other major manufacturers, ensuring we put our customers first. Our production and logistics networks aim for sustainable growth,” says Pieter Janse Van Rensburg – General Manager: Dealer Network FAW Trucks SA. “Thus, our trucks are not isolated in design and manufacturing expertise and, neither is our service network.”

Range

FAW Trucks recently further expanded its comprehensive range with the introduction of the new JH6 33.420FT 6x4 truck tractor, further widening the scope of choices for customers. This going hand-in-hand with the launch of an online booking system for services.

“Since first entering the South African market 28 years ago, we have gone from strength to strength, providing local buyers with products of high quality that are not only well suited to local conditions, but also boast high levels of safety, convenience and comfort. We have managed to combine this with competitive pricing, low running costs and continuously improving aftersales service – this all made easier by the fact we are a South African manufacturer,” says Li.

“I wish to extend my thanks to our dealers and assure them we both value their feedback and are determined to keep doing better.”

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Colin-on-Cars - Isuzu Trucks fully focused

Isuzu Trucks is in full focus mode as far as it targeting fleet operators and the whole life operating costs of the vehicles it offers.

“Quality is not negotiable,” says Craig Uren, Senior Vice President of Isuzu Motors South Africa. “But the enemy of trucking is downtime and even the best truck can leave productive service if parts are not available.

“Trucking uptime is the result of many support factors coming together at Isuzu Motors South Africa and it all starts with an Isuzu truck range from which it is easy to select a truck model with the correct gross vehicle or gross combination mass (GVM or GCM).”

Any truck operator will confirm that selecting the right truck for the task will in the long-term result in the lowest cents/kilometre (CPK). Vehicle section starts at the rear where a custom-built cargo body matches the payload and work to be done – it is not about one size fits all.

Prediction

“Our consulting, vehicle selection, performance prediction and costing services are considerably enhanced by our association as full licensees of Truck Science TransSolve software. This enables Isuzu and our dealers to forecast trucking productivity with reasonable accuracy, a service that Isuzu fleet owners appreciate.”

Isuzu has also been a leader with specialist models that reduce CPK while increasing productivity and safety.

Technology

“First-in-class has been the success of Automated Manual Transmissions (AMT) – with 21 000 AMT model units sold, this Isuzu technology is well accepted. Isuzu crew cabs are starting to become a common sight on our roads instead of people perched on top of the cargo – an increase in fleet safety. Isuzu niche models are doing exceptionally well – refuse compactors and 4X4 models.”

A package of services is available to Isuzu fleets under the title of Isuzu Mobility. This provides Fixed Cost operating for individuals and companies – funding for maintenance, servicing and repairs is sourced from advanced payments for a period or kilometres travelled. For Isuzu trucks this is referred to as CPK – Cents Per Kilometre maintenance plan.

Innovative

The first of its kind in South Africa, Isuzu Motors South Africa is now offering an innovative aftersales solution in the form of Variable Warranty plans. These are specifically tailored to fit the needs of short, medium, or long-haul operators.

Isuzu also has the most up to date telematics system. Telematics offers real-time fleet management and driver development – it is an essential component of driver training. Telematics is also leading evidence in any court action following a road incident and thus protects a driver against spurious claims.

The entire Isuzu range benefits from a telematics-ready truck and stolen vehicle recovery hardware installed at factory. This includes a panic button and driver ID tag reader already installed. Compatible with the MixTelematics fleet management system, it is also compatible with existing third-party fleet management systems at a small additional cost. The stolen vehicle recovery service ready – BEAME – has been installed for some years now.

“We are proud to offer Isuzu operators a complete suite of services,” says Uren. “Isuzu comes with a package of solutions – we look forward to partnerships with you for the long run.”

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Colin-on-Cars - Triton single cab starts a facelift rollout

Mitsubishi Motors launches the start of the facelifted Triton range rollout in the form of the single cab workhorse to the South African market.

The modernised single cab Triton GL, gets a black grille, black door handles, mirror, tailgate handle, black rear bumper and black side steps. The interior of GLS double cab models boast rear air vents, auto headlamps and auto wipers.

The new entry-level Single Cab Triton provides the fleet owner with quality, reliability, durability and fuel efficiency to make a bold, but a reliable statement.

“The launch of the Single Cab is firmly directed at the fleet and small business market and aimed to provide a cost-effective solution in the face of the steadily rising price of fuel and the recent repo rates hike,” explains Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at MMSA.

“Offering a more versatile commercial vehicle range is a clear indication of MMSA’s consumer-centric approach of listening to and acting on the needs of customers.”

Powerful engine and transmission

The Mitsubishi Triton 4x2 Single Cab is powered by Mitsubishi’s proven DOHC intercooled turbo-diesel engine, with 100 kW of power and 324 Nm of peak torque on tap.

An overall fuel consumption average of 8,0 l/100 km will give fleet owners some comfort and relief from the high fuel prices. The 75-litre fuel tank will ensure that economical long distance-travel is matched with the shorter workhorse power of the eager 2,4-litre diesel engine.

The new Single Cab is exclusively available as a 4x2 with a six-speed manual transmission.

It features a limited-slip differential, which along with the weight saved by the 4x4 gear, improves performance and fuel economy. The limited-slip differential provides effective, well-proven traction when one wheel slips and controlled power is transmitted to all the driving wheels, redistributing the engine's torque to the wheels with the most grip.

“In some situations the limited slip diff will perform as good as a 4WD vehicle with open differentials”, it offers more control over power delivery, explains Jeffrey Allison.

Robust, dependable, and versatile to the core

Underneath the head-turning styling is a rigid ladder chassis, designed to provide the best possible handling and ride comfort, irrespective of the road surface.

The suspension setup consists of double wishbones with coil springs and a stabiliser bar up front, while the rugged above-the-axle leaf spring rear suspension provides outstanding traction and load-carrying capacity of up to 1-ton.

The single handle on the tailgate enables one-handed operation, while four integrated cargo hooks mean that loads can be secured safely and with ease.

Practical, yet durable 205R16C steel wheels are fitted. Seats are covered in high-grade, tough, vinyl for dust-beating practicality.

Innovative safety and features

Says Allison: “Some of the Triton’s most striking exterior features include Mitsubishi’s ‘Dynamic Shield’ front design, which incorporates a high hood line and beefy-looking front view. At the same time sculpted body curves with contrasting sharp lines, extended wheel flares and bright accents exude strength.

“Add to this halogen headlamps and, it is obvious this bakkie is slated to be a trusty workhorse.”

Warranty and service

Cost of ownership is low, as the Single Cab is priced R75 000 cheaper than it’s Double Cab sibling and will set you back only R409 995,00. Replacement of common parts in the case of accidents or other damages were also carefully considered to lower the ownership cost.

The entire commercial vehicle line-up – including the Triton Double Cab GL – is covered by a three-year/100 000 km manufacturer’s warranty as standard, along with a five-year/90 000 km service plan. Five-year/unlimited km roadside assistance is also included. Service intervals are set at every 10 000 km.

“Looking ahead for Triton range we should end the year off with more than 10 derivates so there’s still a lot to be excited about with a few more additions to the Triton range on the horizon,” says Allison.

“This forms part of our 2023 product offensive, adding to Triton Xtreme 4x2 introduction, GL Double cab and a wider range of ASX Aspire, ASX ES and Pajero Sport Aspire.”

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Colin-on-Cars - Paying attention

FAW Trucks prides itself on paying attention to what its customers require.

“FAW SA is committed to offering vehicles engineered, developed and rigorously tested to meet the harsh operating conditions in Africa,” says Yongjun Li, CEO of FAW Trucks SA.

To make this a reality the company has embarked on a structured launch programme in recent months with the most recent being the introduction of the JH6 33.420FT, the younger brother of the JH6 28.500FT.

JH6 33.420FT

The newly designed and engineered JH6 33.420FT has a high-roof forward tilt cab with seating for the driver and a passenger. It includes a double sleeper cab with air-conditioning, a radio with USB and an air suspension seat for the driver with multi-dimensional adjustment ability. This completely new cab design has a wind resistance factor of 0,54.

The new and improved look of the interior layout includes a multi-function steering wheel and enhanced dashboard features for better driver control along with central locking and power windows.

Water-cooled

The 11 040 cc Euro 2 specification six-cylinder inline engine is water-cooled, turbo-charged and has an intercooler, producing 312 kW at 1 900 r/min and 1 900 Nm of torque from 1 200 r/min.

The Bosch brand manual injection pump is specifically made for African applications, while the gear shifting booster makes driving feel like a car, removing much of the stress, especially on long-haul journeys – as does the  Superior Engine brake of 190 kW.

American brand Con-Met wheel hubs are fitted, allowing 500 000 km of maintenance-free driving.

The 12-speed manual synchromesh gearbox is matched to a set of ratios specifically designed to provide optimum performance and fuel efficiency, irrespective of whether it is operating in rural areas or on the open road.

Leaf Springs

It features a forged steel I-Section beam front axle coupled to a full floating single reduction rear axle with inter-axle, inter-wheel and differential locks. Semi-elliptical leaf springs with double-acting shock absorbers comprise the front suspension, while the rear has semi-elliptical leaf springs with auxiliary springs.

Stopping power comes from the dual circuit, full air brakes with ABS.

“All the products we introduce locally are carefully considered with Africa roads and driving in mind,” explains Li.

“This goes hand-in-hand with ensuring those products will provide the best possible total cost of ownership experience for the operator through the entire life cycle of the truck. Couple that with the outstanding commitment to service from all of our dealers and the value package we are offering is unbeatable.”

JH6 28.500FT

The JH6 28.500FT is the largest of the truck tractors from FAW Trucks South Africa and has consistently proven that, when it comes to long-hauling, it is virtually unbeatable.

Functional

“In our experience, customers in this segment of the market seek truck tractors that are functional and reliable, but also affordable to run and maintain. In addition, they need to offer comfortable and well-equipped cabins, must be easy to operate, provide adequate performance to get the job done and be fuel efficient,” says Li. “The JH6 28.500FT ticks all these boxes and more and this translates into increased profits for their owners.”

It is fitted with the manufacturer’s renowned 6DM3 13-litre six-cylinder common-rail turbo-charged and intercooled diesel powerplant. This engine develops 370 kW of power at 1 800 r/min and 2 300 Nm of peak torque at 1 400 r/min. It has two fuel tanks of 450  litres each.

Mated to the never-say-die engine of the JH6 28.500FT is a ZF 12-speed TraXon AMT transmission, with parabolic spring suspension front and rear to address vehicle weight requirements.

A full air dual circuit WABCO braking system with ABS enhances the JH6 28.500FT safety features.

Cabin

Befitting its long-hauler status, much focus was placed on ensuring that the cabin of the JH6 28.500FT is as comfortable as possible for the driver and passenger. To this end, it features a full floating extended-roof sleeper cab with an innovative flat floor, which optimises interior space. Standard features such as air-conditioning, a radio with a USB port and suspension seating eliminate unnecessary driver fatigue.

“The versatility and practicality of the JH6 28.500FT are two of its main selling points and as a result, some of our clients utilise it for very interesting purposes,” explains Li.

FAW Trucks recognises that in a challenging economic environment where transport and logistics operators seek to expand the scope of their fleets in order to capitalise on all available opportunities, overall lifetime costs of vehicles are crucial. Thanks to the relatively low initial capital outlay, together with the build quality and the extensively proven reduction in downtime, FAW Trucks provides owners of JH6 28.500FT units with unparalleled value.

Its efficiency on the road was put to the test – and proven – in a recent local multi-truck test where it returned one of the best fuel consumption results of all competing brands.

JK6 15.220FL

This 8-ton 4x2 Freight Carrier has a 6 060 cm3 water-cooled six-cylinder engine that is both turbo-charged and intercooled, providing 165 kW at 2 500 r/min and 770 Nm of torque at 1 500 r/min with a Euro III emissions rating.

It drives through an 8-speed manual synchromesh gearbox.

Comfort

The forward tilt cab has seating for the driver plus two passengers and is a semi-sleeper with comfort features including air-conditioning, driver’s suspension seat and power windows.

The chassis is a riveted Straight Ladder type with parabolic leaf springs with double-acting shock absorbers with stabiliser bar up front and parabolic leaf springs at the rear. The front axle comprises a forged steel I-section beam, while the full floating single reduction gearing on the rear axle has a ratio of 4.875:1.

It has a single 200-litre fuel tank.

“All models in the current range of FAW Trucks sold in South Africa represent the strength, reliability, affordability and ease of operation that the brand and its products are renowned for,” says Li.

8.140FL-AT

Responding to strong demand for a value-for-money automatic offering in the medium-weight segment of the commercial vehicle market FAW Trucks has introduced the 8.140FL-AT.

The 8.140FL-AT has a body and payload allowance of six tonnes, making it the ideal partner for businesses and fleet owners who require a vehicle of smaller dimensions, but with the same durability and ruggedness of its larger brethren. It provides seating for a driver and two passengers and features a spacious and ergonomically designed cab, while air-conditioning and a radio with MP3 and USB functionality are standard.

Automatic

It is fitted with a Euro 3 Cummins ISF 3,8-litre engine, an Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission and a full air dual circuit WABCO braking system with ABS.

Key features of the engine include exceptional performance, low operating costs, low weight, low noise and low emissions capabilities. Advanced thermal engineering has made it capable of running at higher operating temperatures, while at the same time reducing the size and cost of the vehicle’s cooling package.

The modular architecture of the engine allows for easy access and single-side servicing, reducing operating costs. A waste-gated turbocharger provides excellent performance across the whole r/min range, as well as good response through higher low-end torque.

Torque is a healthy 450 Nm between 1 200 r/min and 2 200 r/min, while a solid output of 105 kW is on tap at 2 600 r/min.

The 8.140FL-AT features a six-speed fully automatic Allison 1000 transmission with a hydraulic torque converter. It also has dual overdrives, with the second overdrive ratio being rather high. This allows for low engine speeds at cruising revs and, ultimately, enables significantly reduced fuel consumption.

Endurance

The locally built chassis passes through a special paint station to enhance its dust and dirt endurance and longevity – a unique South African addition.

The suspension is of the straight ladder-type with semi-elliptical leaf springs, together with front double acting shock absorbers and rear auxiliary springs.

The axles, graded for a permissible three tonnes in front and six tonnes at the back, provide ample carrying capacity.

The 8.140FL-AT is available from FAW Trucks dealers in a number of body derivatives including a drop-side, a taut-liner option, a van body, a tipper, a roll-back and a dry-freight insulated body. Customers can also choose to purchase the chassis cab and fit their own truck bodies to suit their specific needs.

New 6.130FL-MT 

This 3,5-ton 4x2 Freight Carrier is the smallest commercial vehicle on offer from FAW Trucks and has a body and payload allowance of 4.7 tonnes.

It has the distinction of having the lowest cost-per-tonne running costs on the local market and boasts a Cummins ISF 2,8-litre common-rail diesel engine, a fully synchromeshed WLY six-speed manual transmission and parabolic spring suspension for enhanced stability and comfort. Additional standard features include air-conditioning and a radio with MP3 and USB functionality.

“The reason for our continued growth and success in South Africa is that we cater for virtually every need,” explains Li. “With a host of different engine capacities, payload allowances and body options on offer, businesses big and small can rely on our products to get the job done.”

Warranty and customer service

“At FAW Trucks customer service is, and always will be key. We go the extra mile to look after our customers and to make sure that we offer them the best deals possible,” explains Paul Lastrucci, National Aftersales Manager “When our trucks leave the showroom floor after a sale, clients can expect long-term, dedicated services and 24/7 support, ensuring their investment gives them the returns expected of modern trucks.”

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Colin-on-Cars - Chery cracks top 10

Just eight months after relaunching the brand in South Africa, Chery has cracked the top 10 list of monthly sales, having moved 1 262 units in July.

Chery entered the new vehicle market in late November 2021 with the Tiggo 4 Pro range and followed with the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro in late February 2022 and the newest addition, the Tiggo 7 Pro, only landed on showroom floors in May 2022.

In July, the Tiggo 4 Pro range represented 689 units of the total 1 262 units sold. This ranks it in the top five best-selling SUVs in its segment. In total volume, it is followed by the Tiggo 7 Pro (372 units) and the flagship Tiggo 8 Pro (201 units). Both these luxury SUVs now rank first in their respective segments, based on sales.

“Chery’s sales performance is a tribute to our dealer network, which has been our greatest ambassador and which has been exemplary in its treatment of our Chery customers,” says Jay Jay Botes, National Sales Manager of Chery South Africa.

According to Botes, all of Chery’s sales were made through the dealer network and not as bulk sales to fleet or rental companies.

“We realise South Africans are under significant economic pressure and that they need the best possible value for money when buying a vehicle. That is why we have put so much effort into creating our 1-million-kilometre mechanical warranty and our best-in-class list of luxury and safety specifications in every Tiggo Pro,” says Botes.

Chery currently has 60 dealers and it will soon announce new dealers and expand to neighbouring countries in Africa.

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